A decision to close a practice

We can, in effect, close a practice. We call this an "intervention". An intervention is a step taken to protect clients'interests and money, in the public interest. It is a protective measure, and does not necessarily mean we have made any findings against a regulated firm or individual.

We may publish a decision to intervene into a firm or into the practice of an individual.

The main things that we do during an intervention:

Stop the firm from operating; take possession of all documents and papers held by the firm (including clients' papers), and

Take possession of all money held by the firm (including clients' money).

Legislation gives us a range of reasons for intervention. These are known as "grounds".